Leave Gaborone at first light for an eight-hour day safari into Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free park where game drives, lunch and the chance to find the Big Five are combined into a single private transfer. Prepare passports, sun protection and binoculars.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn pours gold across the dry pans of Madikwe as the air-conditioned minivan hums over the border, the low hills of the North West Province rising like a promise. Within an hour of leaving Gaborone you’ll cross into South Africa and arrive at a reserve where elephants move with deliberate authority and shy wild dogs pick apart the light.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—mostly seated game drives with short walks if offered at lodges
Wildlife
History
Madikwe was established in the early 1990s through a land-reform and ecological restoration initiative that reintroduced native species to former farmland.
Conservation
The reserve focuses on species reintroductions and anti-poaching; tourism revenues support community projects and rangers working to protect rhinos and wild dogs.
Reserve your spot on the Madikwe Game Reserve Day Tour (Minimum per booking: 5 People) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your passport
This tour crosses the Botswana–South Africa border—carry valid passports and check visa requirements well before departure.
Start early and plan for pickup
Pickup is usually 8:00 a.m.; expect roughly 30 minutes to the border and another 20 minutes into Madikwe—arrive at your pickup point 10–15 minutes early.
Sun, dust and hydration
Even in winter the sun is strong; pack water, a wide-brim hat and a light buff for dust during open-vehicle drives.
Respect wildlife and follow the guide
Keep noise to a minimum, stay seated during drives, and follow the guide’s instructions—do not attempt to feed or approach animals.
Binoculars
Bring 8x–10x binoculars to pick out distant game and birdlife from the vehicle.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Open savanna and midday sun make sun protection crucial.
summer
Neutral-colored clothing
Earth tones reduce spooking animals and make photography easier.
Camera with zoom lens
A telephoto lens (200mm+) helps capture distant wildlife without needing to move closer.